
of the real relation between them was deception. No deviation from strict
integrity can meet God's
approval."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 130.
When the king of Egypt through his princes heard of Sarah's beauty, he
had her brought to the palace, intending to make her his wife; but the Lord
protected Sarah by sending judgments upon the royal household. When the
king learned that Sarah was Abraham's wife, he returned her to her husband,
but remonstrated with Abraham for not telling him of his true relationship to
Sarah, and bade him leave Egypt. Marcus Dods, the author of the commentary
on Genesis of the Expositor's Bible, says that at this time "of all virtues the
Egyptians set greatest store by truth, and lying was the vice they held in
greatest abhorrence."
God's protecting care would have been granted Abraham in response to the
prayer of faith as surely as it was in response to the emergency, and Abraham's
name would have been unsullied by deceit.
Untruthfulness Brings Retribution
4.
When David was fleeing from King Saul, what untruth did he tell
Ahimelech, the priest of Nob, that he might obtain bread? What un-
fortunate result followed? 1 Sam. 21:2; 22:9-16, 18.
NorE.—"David knew not whither to flee for refuge, except to the servant
of God. The priest looked upon him with astonishment, as he came, in haste,
and apparently alone, with a countenance marked by anxiety and sorrow. He
inquired what had brought him there. The young man was in constant fear
of discovery, and in his extremity he resorted to deception. David told the
priest that he had been sent by the king on a secret errand, one which required
the utmost expedition. Here he manifested a want of faith in God, and his
sin resulted in causing the death of the high priest. Had the facts been plainly
stated, Ahimelech would have known what course to pursue to preserve his
life. God requires that truthfulness shall mark His people, even in the greatest
peril."—Patriarchs and Prophets
, page 656.
Though David could slay Goli
ath and a host of Philistines, his failure to
tell the truth in time of personal danger occasioned the death of his benefactor,
Ahimelech, and scores of his assistants, and made a blot upon his name that has
come down through thousands of years.
Falsehoods are always unnecessary. They limit the power of God, and re-
veal a lack of true faith in the arm of the Lord. All lying is cowardly. Only,
truth is fearless.
5.
How did Saul, king of Israel, falsely excuse himself to Samuel for
offering sacrifices to God instead of waiting for the divine plan to be car-
ried out? 1 Sam. 13:11, 12.
NorE.—All excuses for disobeying the express commands of God are false
excuses, and if honestly made are the result of self-deception.
6.
What deviation from the command of God did Saul make in his war
against Amalek? 1 Sam. 15:3, 8, 9.
7.
Notwithstanding his failure to carry out the specific directions of
the Lord, with what words did Saul greet Samuel? Verse 13.
8.
How does the king's answer to Samuel's question in response to
Saul's salutation (verse 14) reveal a spirit of falsity woven throughout the
words? With what consequences? Verses 15, 22, 23.
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